In an ever-evolving global landscape, women continue to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and reshape our world in profound ways. This list celebrates the 100 most influential women of 2025, recognizing their extraordinary impact across various fields including politics, business, technology, science, arts, activism, and more. These women not only excel in their respective domains but also inspire millions and drive change on a global scale.

Politics and Government

1. Kamala Harris – Vice President of the United States
   As the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office of Vice President, Harris continues to break barriers and influence policy in the Biden administration.
2. Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission
   Leading the executive branch of the European Union, von der Leyen plays a crucial role in shaping policies that affect over 400 million Europeans.
3. Tsai Ing-wen – President of Taiwan
   Tsai’s leadership in maintaining Taiwan’s sovereignty and fostering international relations continues to influence geopolitics in East Asia.
4. Jacinda Ardern – Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
   Though no longer in office, Ardern’s compassionate leadership style and handling of crises continue to influence political discourse worldwide.
5. Sanna Marin – Former Prime Minister of Finland
   Marin’s progressive policies and leadership style continue to inspire young politicians globally.
6. Angela Merkel – Former Chancellor of Germany
   Although retired, Merkel’s legacy as a stable force in European politics continues to shape international relations.
7. Mia Mottley – Prime Minister of Barbados
   Mottley’s leadership in climate change advocacy and her role in Barbados becoming a republic have elevated her global influence.
8. Sheikh Hasina Wazed – Prime Minister of Bangladesh
   Hasina’s long-standing leadership has been crucial in Bangladesh’s economic growth and handling of the Rohingya refugee crisis.
9. Katerina Sakellaropoulou – President of Greece
   As Greece’s first female president, Sakellaropoulou continues to champion human rights and environmental protection.
10. Samia Suluhu Hassan – President of Tanzania
    Hassan’s leadership has marked a new era in Tanzanian politics, focusing on COVID-19 management and economic development.

Business and Technology

11. Mary Barra – CEO of General Motors
    Barra is leading GM’s transition to electric vehicles, influencing the future of the automotive industry.
12. Sheryl Sandberg – Former COO of Meta (Facebook)
    Although she stepped down from Meta, Sandberg’s influence in tech and women’s leadership remains significant.
13. Lisa Su – CEO of AMD
    Su’s leadership has transformed AMD into a major player in the semiconductor industry, influencing global tech trends.
14. Safra Catz – CEO of Oracle
    Catz’s leadership at Oracle continues to shape the enterprise software industry.
15. Gwynne Shotwell – President and COO of SpaceX
    Shotwell’s leadership at SpaceX is shaping the future of space exploration and satellite technology.
16. Melanie Perkins – Co-founder and CEO of Canva
    Perkins’ leadership has made Canva a major player in online design tools, democratizing graphic design.
17. Whitney Wolfe Herd – Founder and CEO of Bumble
    Wolfe Herd’s female-first approach in Bumble continues to influence the online dating industry and promote women’s empowerment.
18. Reshma Saujani – Founder of Girls Who Code
    Saujani’s work continues to address the gender gap in technology and inspire young women to pursue careers in tech.
19. Arianna Huffington – Founder and CEO of Thrive Global
    Huffington’s work in promoting well-being and productivity continues to influence corporate culture globally.
20. Shemara Wikramanayake – CEO of Macquarie Group
    As one of the few female CEOs in finance, Wikramanayake is driving sustainable investment strategies.

Science and Medicine

21. Jennifer Doudna – Biochemist and Nobel Laureate
    Doudna’s pioneering work in CRISPR technology continues to revolutionize genetic research and potential treatments.
22. Emmanuelle Charpentier – Microbiologist and Nobel Laureate
    Charpentier’s work on CRISPR gene editing continues to open new frontiers in genetic medicine.
23. Katalin Karikó – Biochemist and mRNA Vaccine Pioneer
    Karikó’s groundbreaking research on mRNA technology paved the way for rapid vaccine development.
24. Özlem Türeci – Chief Medical Officer of BioNTech
    Türeci’s work in immunotherapy and vaccine development has been crucial in fighting global health crises.
25. Demis Hassabis – Co-founder and CEO of DeepMind
    Hassabis’s work in artificial intelligence is pushing the boundaries of machine learning and its applications.
26. Kizzmekia Corbett – Immunologist and Vaccine Researcher
    Corbett’s work on coronavirus vaccines has been instrumental in pandemic response efforts.
27. Cynthia Kenyon – Molecular Biologist
    Kenyon’s research on the genetics of aging continues to influence our understanding of longevity.
28. Donna Strickland – Physicist and Nobel Laureate
    Strickland’s work in laser physics continues to have applications in medicine and technology.
29. Jane Goodall – Primatologist and Anthropologist
    Goodall’s lifelong work in conservation and animal behavior continues to influence environmental policies worldwide.
30. Shinya Yamanaka – Stem Cell Researcher and Nobel Laureate
    Yamanaka’s work on induced pluripotent stem cells continues to influence regenerative medicine.

Environment and Climate

31. Greta Thunberg – Climate Activist
    Thunberg continues to be a powerful voice in the global climate movement, inspiring youth activism worldwide.
32. Christiana Figueres – Former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC
    Figueres remains a key figure in international climate negotiations and sustainable development.
33. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim – Environmental Activist
    Ibrahim’s work bridges indigenous knowledge with climate science, advocating for vulnerable communities.
34. Katharine Hayhoe – Climate Scientist and Communicator
    Hayhoe’s ability to communicate climate science to diverse audiences has made her an influential voice in climate action.
35. Inger Andersen – Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme
    Andersen leads global efforts in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
36. Vanessa Nakate – Climate Justice Activist
    Nakate’s advocacy highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on African nations and marginalized communities.
37. Rhiana Gunn-Wright – Climate Policy Director
    Gunn-Wright’s work on the Green New Deal continues to shape climate policy discussions in the U.S.
38. Nemonte Nenquimo – Indigenous Environmental Activist
    Nenquimo’s leadership in protecting the Amazon rainforest has global implications for biodiversity and climate change mitigation.
39. Miranda Wang – Co-founder and CEO of BioCellection
    Wang’s innovative approach to plastic recycling is revolutionizing waste management and circular economy practices.
40. Isatou Ceesay – Waste Management Activist
    Ceesay’s “One Plastic Bag” initiative in Gambia continues to inspire grassroots environmental action in Africa.

Culture and Arts

41. Beyoncé – Singer, Songwriter, and Cultural Icon
    Beyoncé’s music and activism continue to shape popular culture and social discourse.
42. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Author and Feminist
    Adichie’s writings on feminism and cultural identity continue to shape global conversations on gender and race.
43. Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Actor, Writer, and Producer
    Waller-Bridge’s unique voice in television and film continues to push boundaries in storytelling.
44. Yayoi Kusama – Artist
    Kusama’s immersive art installations continue to captivate global audiences and influence contemporary art.
45. Ava DuVernay – Filmmaker
    DuVernay’s work continues to challenge Hollywood norms and bring important social issues to the forefront.
46. Adele – Singer and Songwriter
    Adele’s music continues to dominate charts and influence the global music industry.
47. Shonda Rhimes – Television Producer and Writer
    Rhimes’ production company continues to create groundbreaking, diverse content for global audiences.
48. Olga Tokarczuk – Author and Nobel Laureate
    Tokarczuk’s literary works continue to explore complex themes of identity and interconnectedness.
49. Zendaya – Actor and Producer
    Zendaya’s influence extends beyond entertainment into fashion and social activism, inspiring a new generation.
50. Ai-jen Poo – Labor Activist and Author
    Poo’s advocacy for domestic workers’ rights continues to influence labor policies and social perceptions.

Sports

51. Simone Biles – Gymnast
    Biles continues to push the boundaries of gymnastics while advocating for mental health in sports.
52. Naomi Osaka – Tennis Player
    Osaka’s advocacy for mental health and racial justice continues to influence discussions in sports and beyond.
53. Megan Rapinoe – Soccer Player and Activist
    Rapinoe’s advocacy for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights continues to influence sports and social policy.
54. Serena Williams – Tennis Player and Entrepreneur
    Williams’ influence extends beyond tennis into business and advocacy for women’s rights.
55. Allyson Felix – Track and Field Athlete
    Felix’s advocacy for maternal health in sports continues to shape policies and perceptions.

Philanthropy and Activism

56. Melinda French Gates – Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
    Gates continues to be a powerful force in global health and education initiatives.
57. MacKenzie Scott – Philanthropist
    Scott’s approach to philanthropy, characterized by large, unrestricted grants, is reshaping charitable giving.
58. Malala Yousafzai – Education Activist and Nobel Laureate
    Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education continues to inspire global action.
59. Tarana Burke – Founder of the #MeToo Movement
    Burke’s work continues to shape global conversations about sexual harassment and assault.
60. Patrisse Cullors – Co-founder of Black Lives Matter
    Cullors’s activism continues to shape discussions on racial justice and police reform.

Media and Journalism

61. Maria Ressa – Journalist and Nobel Laureate
    Ressa’s fight for press freedom in the Philippines continues to inspire journalists worldwide.
62. Christiane Amanpour – Chief International Anchor for CNN
    Amanpour’s reporting continues to bring critical global issues to international attention.
63. Oprah Winfrey – Media Executive and Philanthropist
    Winfrey’s influence in media and philanthropy continues to shape public discourse and social initiatives.
64. Nikole Hannah-Jones – Journalist and Creator of the 1619 Project
    Hannah-Jones’s work continues to reshape discussions about race and history in America.
65. Roula Khalaf – Editor of the Financial Times
    Khalaf’s leadership at the FT continues to influence global business and economic reporting.

Finance and Economics

66. Janet Yellen – U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
    Yellen’s policies continue to shape the U.S. and global economy.
67. Christine Lagarde – President of the European Central Bank
    Lagarde’s leadership of the ECB has significant influence on European and global economic policies.
68. Kristalina Georgieva – Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund
    Georgieva leads the IMF’s efforts in global economic stability and development.
69. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Director-General of the World Trade Organization
    Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership at the WTO continues to shape global trade policies.
70. Abigail Johnson – CEO of Fidelity Investments
    Johnson’s leadership in one of the world’s largest financial services companies influences global investment trends.

Technology and Innovation

71. Fei-Fei Li – AI Researcher and Co-Director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute
    Li’s work in AI and ethics continues to shape the development and application of artificial intelligence.
72. Kimberly Bryant – Founder of Black Girls Code
    Bryant’s work continues to increase diversity in tech and inspire the next generation of innovators.
73. Reshma Saujani – Founder of Girls Who Code
    Saujani’s initiatives continue to address the gender gap in technology education and careers.
74. Roshni Nadar Malhotra – Chairperson of HCL Technologies
    Malhotra’s leadership in one of India’s largest IT companies influences global tech trends.
75. Anne Wojcicki – Co-founder and CEO of 23andMe
    Wojcicki’s work in personal genomics continues to revolutionize personalized medicine and genetic research.

Healthcare

76. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus – Director-General of the World Health Organization
    Ghebreyesus leads global health initiatives and responses to international health crises.
77. Rochelle Walensky – Former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Walensky’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting impacts on public health strategies.
78. Soumya Swaminathan – Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization
    Swaminathan’s work continues to guide global health policies and research priorities.
79. Nanette Cocero – Global President of Pfizer Vaccines
    Cocero’s leadership in vaccine development continues to influence global immunization efforts.
80. Matshidiso Moeti – WHO Regional Director for Africa
    Moeti’s work in strengthening health systems in Africa has been crucial in addressing various health crises.

Education

81. Malala Yousafzai – Education Activist and Nobel Laureate
    Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education continues to inspire global action and policy changes.
82. Wendy Kopp – CEO and Co-founder of Teach For All
    Kopp’s global network continues to address educational inequity across the world.
83. Donna Strickland – Physicist and Nobel Laureate
    Strickland’s work not only advances laser physics but also inspires women in STEM fields.
84. Vanessa Nakate – Climate Justice Activist
    Nakate’s work intersects climate activism with education, inspiring young people globally.
85. Sal Khan – Founder of Khan Academy
    Khan’s work in online education continues to democratize access to learning worldwide.

Social Entrepreneurship

86. Leila Janah – Founder of Samasource and LXMI
    Though Janah passed away in 2020, her pioneering work in ethical AI and inclusive business models continues to influence social entrepreneurship.
87. Jacqueline Novogratz – Founder and CEO of Acumen
    Novogratz’s work in impact investing continues to provide innovative solutions to global poverty.
88. Rachel Romer Carlson – Co-founder and CEO of Guild Education
    Carlson’s work in employee education benefits is reshaping workforce development and corporate education.
89. Shiza Shahid – Co-founder of Our Place and the Malala Fund
    Shahid’s work continues to influence social entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment globally.
90. Leanne Kemp – Founder and CEO of Everledger
    Kemp’s work in blockchain technology for ethical supply chains continues to influence sustainable business practices.

Religion and Spirituality

91. Sister Nathalie Becquart – Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops
    As the highest-ranking woman in the Catholic Church, Becquart’s role influences discussions on women’s place in the Church.
92. Sharon Brous – Rabbi and Founder of IKAR
    Brous’s progressive approach to Judaism continues to influence interfaith dialogue and social justice initiatives.
93. Asma Lamrabet – Islamic feminist writer and activist
    Lamrabet’s work continues to challenge traditional interpretations of Islam and advocate for women’s rights within the faith.
94. Pema Chödrön – Buddhist teacher and author
    Chödrön’s teachings on mindfulness and compassion continue to influence Western understanding of Buddhism.
95. Daisy Khan – Founder of Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality
    Khan’s work continues to promote women’s rights within Islam and foster interfaith understanding.

Thought Leaders and Public Intellectuals

96. Brené Brown – Research Professor and Author
    Brown’s work on vulnerability and leadership continues to influence personal development and corporate culture.
97. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Author and Feminist
    Adichie’s writings and speeches continue to shape global discussions on feminism, race, and identity.
98. Esther Perel – Psychotherapist and Author
    Perel’s insights on relationships and sexuality continue to reshape cultural attitudes towards intimacy.
99. Angela Duckworth – Psychologist and Author
    Duckworth’s research on grit and perseverance continues to influence education and personal development strategies.
100. Kimberlé Crenshaw – Legal Scholar and Critical Race Theorist
     Crenshaw’s work on intersectionality continues to shape discussions on race, gender, and social justice.

Conclusion

The women on this list represent a diverse array of fields and backgrounds, each contributing uniquely to the tapestry of global influence. From political leaders shaping international relations to scientists pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, from activists fighting for social justice to entrepreneurs revolutionizing industries, these 100 women are at the forefront of change and progress in 2025.

Their influence extends beyond their immediate spheres, often intersecting with and impacting multiple areas of society. As we navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, from climate change and technological disruption to social inequality and global health crises, the ideas, actions, and leadership of these women will continue to play a crucial role in shaping our collective future.

It’s important to note that influence can manifest in various ways, and this list represents just a fraction of the countless women making significant impacts around the world. Many influential women work behind the scenes or at grassroots levels, their contributions no less valuable for being less visible on the global stage.

Moreover, the concept of influence itself is multifaceted. While some women on this list hold positions of traditional power, others exert their influence through advocacy, innovation, or by inspiring others. Their influence may be felt in policy changes, scientific breakthroughs, shifts in cultural attitudes, or in the lives of individuals and communities they touch.

As we celebrate these influential women, it’s crucial to recognize the ongoing challenges to gender equality worldwide. Many of the women on this list have broken barriers and achieved firsts in their fields, but true equality means that such achievements should not be exceptional. The presence of these women in positions of influence is as much a call to action as it is a celebration of progress.

Looking forward, the impact of these influential women is likely to inspire and empower future generations. Their diverse achievements demonstrate the breadth of possibilities available to women and girls around the world, potentially catalyzing even greater advancements in gender equality and women’s empowerment.

In conclusion, this list of the 100 Most Influential Women in the World for 2025 not only recognizes individual achievements but also highlights the collective power of women’s leadership and influence across all sectors of society. It serves as a reminder of the essential role women play in addressing global challenges and shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for all.